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Did It do It: “Did it Convince the Viewer?”

Convincing?

Convincing?

This is the ninth post in the series of twelve I call “did it do it”, a guideline for good photographic composition. I call this one “did it convince the viewer”?

So many photographers don’t take the time to put their idea down in such a way as to convince the viewer that the photo was ready to be taken right before clicking the shutter. Did the photographer put forth enough effort and energy to deliver a solid message with the best possible visuals? Did it show the viewer that you knew what you were doing (even if you didn’t)? Did it show intent?

In this digital age, everyone’s in a hurry to get things done, even if it means sacrificing quality.  Get it done and move on seems to be the new Mantra, and there doesn’t seem to be any geographic boundaries that apply here.

In my online class I teach with the BPSOP, and in my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshop I conduct around the planet, my goal is to instill in each of my students a sense of pride and accomplishment, and a finish photograph that has convinced the viewer that he or she cared about what they were doing. Creating an emotional appeal that will require a response from the viewer will convince him that his time won’t be wasted if he does. Will the viewer be convinced that the photo he’s looking at has enough informaion and therefore will believe it?

When  students of mine can include enough of these guidelines into their photos, they stand an excellent chance in taking their imagery what I refer to as “up a notch”.

In the above photo for a new high rise that was going up, The intent was to show prospective buyers that there was fine dining nearby.

FYI, the above photograph was shot entirely in the camera with absolutely no post processing involved in the final image. I just love creating photos in the camera!!!!

Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com and check out my 2020 workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.

JoeB

{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Gary Thursby March 2, 2012, 10:51 pm

    Hmmmm, romantic evening dinner? That’s what the image suggests to me. I agree with you Joe that getting the image right in camera feels so much better than jockeying an image around in photoshop. You just feel like you own the photograph so much more.  You know I hear traditional wet film photography is making a small comeback. Maybe its because many people feel the new school attitude of fast sloppy camera work (fix it in photoshop and shoot raw to give you most corrections possible!) just does not do it for them. Love your philosophy and approach to photography Joe.

  • Debby Currie May 16, 2017, 1:26 pm

    Hi Joe,
    I agree with Gary. Your philosophy and approach to photography is refreshing and liberating if that makes sense.
    This images definitely says romance is still alive.
    Love the red wind caps and red tulips.
    Debby

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